The focus of numerous one-man shows at major museums and galleries across the country, Mort Künstler's original paintings offer us the opportunity to appreciate both America's history, as well as the rare talents of one of its great artists. For information about purchasing one of these works of art, contact info@mortkunstler.com or call 516.624.2830 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

First Rhode Island Infantry SOLD

Despite George Washington's opposition, African-Americans continued to serve in the Continental army throughout the war. In 1778, Rhode Island created a regiment manned mostly by blacks, and it served with distinction. Washington's views eventually changed too. Friends and comrades such as Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and John Laurens urged him to arm blacks on a large scale. While he balked at doing that much, he did learn to tolerate fully integrated black troops who may have constituted as much as 10 percent of the army by 1781. His experience of their patriotism and bravery may contributed to his later decision to write an order freeing his slaves into his final will and testament.